When it comes to mental health, there are a lot of different disorders that can be diagnosed. The two most common disorders are bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD). While these two disorders share some similarities, there are also some key differences.
First, the symptoms of these two disorders can look very similar, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis to get the most effective treatment. Second, while there is no cure for either disorder, both are treatable, so it’s important to seek help if you or a loved one is struggling. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between bipolar and borderline personality disorders.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. These swings can range from ecstatic happiness to crushing sadness and despair. Bipolar disorder can also cause changes in energy levels and sleep patterns. People with bipolar disorder may have difficulty maintaining a job or keeping relationships. There are three types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I Disorder
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes that last for at least seven days (or by manic symptoms that are so severe that hospitalization is necessary). Episodes of depression may also occur.
Bipolar II Disorder
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by depressive episodes interspersed with periods of hypomania (a less severe form of mania).
Cyclothymic Disorder
This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of hypomania and periods of mild depression.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by impulsivity, instability, and extreme emotions. People with BPD often have difficulty regulating emotions, which can lead to problems maintaining relationships and holding down a job.
Other symptoms of BPD include self-harm, recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts, paranoia, and dissociation. Unlike bipolar disorder, no “high” is associated with BPD; instead, people with this condition experience constant emotional turmoil.
Differences Between Bipolar and BPD
Both bipolar disorder and BPD are characterized by mood swings. However, the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder are much more extreme. People with bipolar disorder will experience periods of extremely high moods (known as mania) and extremely low moods (known as depression).
These mood swings can last for days, weeks, or even months. People with BPD will also experience mood swings, but they are not as extreme as those experienced by people with bipolar disorder.
Another key difference between the two disorders is that people with bipolar disorder usually have no problems functioning in their everyday lives when they are not experiencing a period of mania or depression. People with BPD, on the other hand, often have difficulty functioning no matter what their mood is. This is because BPD is characterized by impulsivity and instability in relationships, work life, and a sense of self.
Causes of Bipolar and BPD
The exact cause of the bipolar disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. BPD is also thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but research suggests that childhood trauma may play a bigger role in the development of BPD than previously thought.
Treatment for Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder
There is no cure for either bipolar disorder or BPD, but both disorders can be treated successfully. Medication and talk therapy are the most common forms of treatment for both disorders. Bipolar treatment can include outpatient or inpatient care, depending on the severity.
If you’re struggling with symptoms that seem like they could be either bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, it’s important to seek professional help so you can get an accurate diagnosis and the best possible treatment. Both disorders are serious mental illnesses, but they are different conditions with different causes and treatments. With proper care, however, it is possible to manage both disorders and live a happy, healthy life.